Dejacqueray Dick Dastardly, or Dickie for short, has been missing since Monday.

He escaped through an unlocked gate at his house on Cherry Avenue, Abbey Hills, Oldham.

The two-year-old Chihuahua won second prize in his class at this year's Crufts competition and is highly-valued.

Owner Denise Hurst said she is desperate to see Dickie come home.

She said: “He lives with my friend Trisha because I have six bitches and I don't want him mating with them.

“We're very worried about him and want him back as soon as possible. He's not the type of dog that can live on the streets. I'm hoping somebody has picked him up but doesn't know where he belongs.”

Pedigree hound Dickie, who has won numerous other awards, doesn't have a name tag but is microchipped.

Denise said: “He's very young but qualified for Crufts the first time out.

“He's only two but he's already won second place in the limits class and been placed at lots of other dog showss.

“He's also quite a popular stud dog for breeding.

“We just want him back more than anything else.”

Tricia Coles, who looks after Dickie, said he escaped some time between 4-5.30pm on Monday.

She said: “I don't know if the wind blew the door open or he pawed it open himself but he got out through the back garden. We've left his box out on the step so at least he might smell the scent and come back. He's such a happy dog everyone is always saying how cute he is. It's just a bit of a shock.”

Anyone who finds Dickie or has information can call Denise on 07871643311.